On Saturday, October 28th, over 800 people gathered on campus to learn about and celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The Reformation marks the day Martin Luther in 1517 nailed his 75 thesis to the church door in Wittenberg. This drastically changed what many thought about Christianity, and it started the Lutheran movement.
The festivities started at 9 am on Saturday with busloads of people pulling into campus. Local churches, and church throughout the LCMS Northern District of Illinois all came to participate. Even though there were flurries buzzing around the air, there were smiles on everyone’s faces, celebrating this wonderful day. All over campus, there were activities for every age. In the triangle, Medieval Times was teaching children about sword fighting, while dressed up as Knights of the Round Table. There was also a photo booth where people of all ages could take a picture with the famous man himself, Martin Luther. Kids dresses up as princesses, monks, knights, or whatever they felt like to snap a picture in front of the castle door.
Since there were over 200 children on campus, there were multiple activities for children, hosted by student volunteers on campus. Activities included making sand bracelets, beautiful face paintings, can toss, and even Marty Party Pong (water only). The theatre department also helped to host a Wittenberg walk. Students and professors dressed up as characters from the 1500’s and help kids and adults alike learn what life was like back then. One of the participants took her grandchildren through the walk, and said she learned a lot about the life of Mrs. Luther.
For the Adults, there were multiple breakout sessions that they could choose to attend. These breakout sessions talked about topics like indulgences, but they also featured Lutheran ministries in the area, and how Christians can serve their communities today.
There was also an amazing lunch created by Sodexo for all the guests on campus. The German themed meal included soft pretzels, bratwursts, pulled pork, and fried macaroni and cheese. Yet the main eye catcher at the meal was the actual roasted pig that everyone got to try a piece of.
The day ended with a beautiful worship service led by Pastor Jeff, President Gard, and President Dan Gilbert of the Northern Illinois District. The homily reminded everyone that it’s not about Martin Luther, or the work of the Lutheran church, “It’s still all about Jesus”, said Gilbert.
There will be archives of the videoed serviced uploaded soon to the University’s page.
